IMPORTANCE OF THERAPEUTIC USE OF PEARLS [MUKTA] IN AYURVEDA AND OTHER HEALTHCARE SYSTEMS FOR OPHTHALMIC AILMENTS- PREVENTIVE, PROMOTIVE AND CURATIVE ROLE: A REVIEW

Abstract

Background: Netra vyadhi (ocular disorders) are among the most significant health concerns due to increasing pollution, digital strain, and ageing. Ayurveda describes Mukta (pearl) and its processed forms (pishti, bhasma), prepared through classical purification and incineration, are traditionally indicated for Netra rogas (eye diseases) such as Abhishyanda, Timira, and Adhimantha, as a netrya (beneficial for eyes), pitta-shamaka (pacifying excess pitta), and rasayana (rejuvenative). In contemporary times, ocular health is threatened by oxidative stress, inflammation, and degenerative disorders.Mukta(Pearls), owing to their cooling, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and nourishing effects, play an important preventive, promotive, and curative role in ocular health.

Objective: To review and analyse the role of Mukta in classical Ayurvedic ophthalmology with classical references and modern evidence on the therapeutic potential of pearls in ophthalmology, highlighting their preventive, promotive, and curative applications.

Methods: A Narrative literature review was conducted from Ayurvedic classical texts including Sushruta Samhita, Charaka Samhita, Rasatarangini, Ashtanga Hridaya, Rasaratna Samucchaya, Bhaishajya Ratnavali, Sharngdhara Samhita), Ayurvedic Formulary of India, and contemporary pharmacological research as well as indexed journals (PubMed, Google Scholar, DHARA). Modern pharmacological studies on pearl-derived calcium carbonate nanoparticles and ocular applications were also analyzed.

Results: Mukta, described as Pitta-shamaka with sheeta veerya, Madhura rasa, and Laghu-Snigdha guṇa, supports ocular health by balancing Alochaka Pitta. Orally, Mukta Piṣhṭi with Kamdudha Rasa aids systemic Pitta-prashamana. In Kriyakalpa, it is used in Lekhana and Prasadana Anjana for curative and nourishing effects. Modern studies demonstrate pearl powder (CaCO₃ nanoparticles) has antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and properties, explaining its promotive, curative, and preventive roles in ocular disorders. Cross-cultural use in Traditional Chinese Medicine and integration in formulations like Ratnavali Pearl Anjana further highlight its therapeutic relevance.

Conclusion: Mukta demonstrates dual promotive and curative roles in Netra Vyadhi, supported by classical Ayurvedic texts and emerging modern evidence. Bridging traditional knowledge with contemporary validation highlights its potential as an integrative ophthalmic therapeutic. Its preventive, promotive, and curative actions make it a valuable option in ocular care, warranting further clinical and pharmacological exploration.